Art, from the 2022 National Community Leadership Summit, by Corrina Keeling

Shannan will soon be launching Queen and Baby, an app that will serve as a directory of Black lactation consultants meant to connect Black moms and families with Black consultants for culturally aligned care, with the goal of eventually expanding to other groups as well.

Furthermore, Queen and Baby will serve as a platform that aims to host community content, allowing questions to be answered by experts, and work with consultants to help them find their path, as well as support them through the recertification process.

November is Native American Heritage Month! This year's theme is "Revitalizing Indigenous Connections," which the US Department of the Interior is working towards by restoring ancestral monuments, preserving indigenous languages through the Living Language Grant Program, and supporting Native food sovereignty.

Below are some resources for Native American youth, families, and educators working with Native American children!

In light of temperatures dropping, we would like to share a variety of local resources that provide rental and energy cost relief, as well as methods on protecting oneself during winter weather emergencies.

Together, we bring families together for book readings and activities focused on Social-Emotional Learning inspired by our Children's Mental Health Storytime Toolkit.

Sessions are designed for families with children 3-8 years old, however, younger and older siblings are welcome to join the fun! **We require a caregiver register and join the child during the session.**

At the end of our session, there will be an opportunity for Q&A and resource sharing with parents/caregivers. If you are interested in learning more about the Children's Mental Health Storytime Toolkit, please email Amainaris.sanchez@bmc.org

See our future events and register here: https://www.vitalvillage.org/calendar

As part of Baby Dove’s commitment to helping close the gap in care and health outcomes for Black expecting mothers, birthing individuals, and their babies, Baby Dove is launching The Black Birth Equity Fund. The Fund will provide immediate care to expecting Black moms and birthing individuals by increasing access to doulas as critical supports in the birthing journey. If selected, winners will be awarded a one-time grant in the amount of $1,300. Funds shall be used by the grantee to assist with Doula services in their birthing journey.

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has partnered with Mass Cultural Council to offer free or discounted admissions to many of the Commonwealth's museums and cultural institutions through the EBT Card to Culture Program. Residents who receive DTA benefits can get discounted admission by showing their EBT card. Through 2022, these organizations are also accepting P-EBT cards. This program includes 127 discounted or free locations in Greater Boston, such harbor tours, music lessons, museum tickets, concerts, etc. Learn more here!

Accompany Doula Care is looking for an Executive Director. This position is a full-time exempt employee, who is committed to addressing inequities in birth work and has the ability to support our diverse, dynamic, and growing organization. If you have a background in development and nonprofit management, an interest in working in a non-profit start-up environment, and a passion for maternal and child health or public health, we would like to meet you! Learn more here.

TBK empowers children, youth, the elderly and families to take charge of their health and well-being through hands-on cooking classes. These classes are led by professional chefs and teach students to create cost-effective meals at home with kitchen safety and nutrition lessons. The program also works closely with partners to build culturally aware curriculums, respecting the diversity of our foods while teaching youth to cook healthier versions of ethnic dishes. If you are interested in TBK classes for your group or organization, please email Haley House's Program Director Jay Vilar, to get started: jvilar@haleyhouse.org and if you are interested in volunteering with Haley House, you can click here to learn more.

This half-day event by EmbraceRace will issue a call to action for parents and educators to advocate for honest teaching and learning about race, racism, and equity in schools, and provide ideas and insight into the coalition-building and advocacy strategies needed to counter efforts to shut down these conversations. Time will be reserved following speaker and panel discussions for participants to reflect, connect, and set intentions in light of what is shared by presenters and panelists. This virtual convening is free and open to all interested parents, educators, and others.

The National Birth Equity Collaborative invites you to this event, which will focus on celebrating Black mamas, birthing people, fathers, and families that are pregnant or recently postpartum, up to 18 months. NBEC and Friends will spread "Justice and Joy" through information, education, and raffle prizes for participants. All birthing experiences will be acknowledged and uplifted in the event.